Condom users are perpetually faced with the potential peril of condoms that leak or burst. Or so it seems.
The Consumer Council has uncovered, in eight tests over a span of 25 years, similar defects in condoms, that could defeat the very purpose a condom is designed for - the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections including HIV.
According to the latest test results released today (August 15), out of a total of 13,545 samples of 43 latex and PU (polyurethane) condom models, 15 samples were detected with water leakage. 315 samples per model were put to the leakage test.
The failure rate is 0.11%, or just slightly more than one out of every 1,000 condoms. Statistically it is only a slim chance, but using a condom with the above problem may reduce its effectiveness for prevention of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
The 15 defective condoms were spread over 12 models - 10 latex and 2 PU models. One latex model with 4 defective samples was judged unsatisfactory in excess of 2 per 315 samples.
The problem is further aggravated as condoms may burst under pressure. In the test, the condom samples were inflated like balloons until they burst to test for strength and reliability.
Out of a total of 11,970 samples of 38 latex models (the 5 PU models excluded), 114 samples were found to fail to sustain up to the bursting volume or pressure requirements.
Compared with leakage, the failure rate of condom samples in the bursting test is relatively higher at 0.95% or approximately 10 out of every 1,000 condoms.
The samples with bursting problem were found in 26 of the 38 models. Two models with 13 and 28 samples respectively were judged unsatisfactory in excess of 10 per 315 samples.
The 5 PU models were also put to the bursting test but no judgment could be made to the test data as the ISO 23409 standard allows manufacturers to define their own bursting test specifications and limits.
In general, the PU models were found to exhibit the physical properties characteristic of condoms made of the synthetic material PU - higher in bursting pressure and lower in bursting volume in comparison to the latex models.
The Council's continual efforts in monitoring the quality of condoms have been rewarded with steady gradual improvement as evidenced in the declining failure rate in leakage in recent years: 0.19% in 2005, 0.16% in 2008, 0.11% in 2013.
In view of the increasing use of promotional claims implying condoms' thinness, the Council has included an additional test item of measuring the thickness of condoms bearing such claims on package labels.
Claims such as "Ultra Thin", "Super Thin", "Sensitive" were generally found as well as such figures as "0.02" or "0.03" but not all gave clear indication of the unit of measurement used, e.g. mm. There is no standard value to define how thin a thin condom should be.
In general, PU models are thinner than latex models. Take a point stipulated in the ISO standard of 30 mm from the tip of a condom as an example, the test measurements showed an average thickness of 0.028 mm to 0.041 mm and 0.042 mm to 0.082 mm respectively for PU and latex models.
But consumers should take note that PU models are also generally wider. They should assess whether the condom size fits them well; wearing a condom that is too wide may lead to slippage during use.
In summary, quality problems persist in a small portion of condoms on the market. Despite that, members of the public should be aware that correct and consistent use of condom is still the single most effective method to prevent contracting HIV from sexual contact.
For best prevention effect, consumers are reminded to always check the expiry date on the package when buying condoms, and to avoid purchasing those that are stored in poor package condition or placed under strong light or at high temperature. In case leakage and bursting occurs during sexual intercourse, they are advised to consult their doctors as soon as possible for managing the risk of pregnancy and HIV.
The Council has notified the Customs and Excise Department of its test findings, for any further investigation deemed necessary under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance and the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.
Consumers are strongly advised to consult the test report in this August issue of CHOICE for guidance in the choice and use of condoms.
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